Linkedin Secrets

Have you ever wondered what would the LinkedIn experts recommend? Take a look at these tips:

Write an appealing summary
Whatever you do, do not leave the summary blank or limit it to a few bland sentences. This is your chance to be creative and describe who you are and what you are passionate about. Make it personal, while also highlighting key accomplishments you do not want anyone to miss.

Ask for recommendations
These make for a priceless first impression. You know people who would gladly recommend your work, so ask them to do so on LinkedIn. The best approach is to ask in person or to write a personal e-mail sincerely expressing what their recommendation would mean to you.

Do not connect with your competitors
It does not make good business sense to allow your competitors to have a list of the people who are most important to you. You are basically handing them your Outlook database. There are, however, certain industries in which your competitors may also be your suppliers or vendors, and you will need to weigh the risk and reward of allowing those individuals to be a part of your network.

Stay away from controversial topics and posts
Resist the temptation to comment or share posts that are “off topic” or in other words, not work related. Although “ liking” a highly topical post may seem harmless, however, remember it is shaping how people think of you online.

Do not recreate your CV
Your profile is not a resume or CV. Write as if you are having a conversation with someone. Inject your personality. Let people know your values and passions. In your summary, discuss what you do outside of work. You want people to want to know you.

Join groups
Join groups that will let you connect with people who are in your target audience but are not contacts. Being part of the group gives you permission to reach out to them and invite them to join your network.

Manage your endorsements
Ask your contacts to endorse you for only your top skills. Having the highest number of endorsements for your signature strengths will influence those who are looking at your profile. Have the courage to delete or reject the endorsements that aren’t central to how you want to be known.

Be stingy
Only give recommendations and endorsements to those whom you genuinely admire. When you recommend other people, their reputation is seen as an extension of your values.

For more information, contact Karlien Theart at karlien@succeedgroup.co.za

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein.